A Return of Devotion

Haven Manor Series, Book 2

By: Kristi Ann Hunter

Narrated by: Beverley A. Crick

Length: 13 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Daphne Blakemoor was perfectly happy living in her own secluded world for 12 years. She had everything she needed - loved ones, a true home, and time to indulge her imagination. But when ownership of the estate where she works as a housekeeper passes on, and the new marquis has an undeniable connection to her past, everything she's come to rely upon is threatened.  

William, Marquis of Chemsford's main goal in life is to be the exact opposite of his father. Starting a new life in the peace and quiet of the country sounds perfect until his housekeeper turns his life upside down.  

They've spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, find a new path for the future together?

©2019 Kristi L. Hunter (P)2019 Tantor

Life After Forgiveness!

My heart is soaring! I loved this book so much, I don't know how to describe it.
We first met Daphne in A Defense of Honor. This book is her story. It's a story of change, truth, forgiveness, and love. "There is life after forgiveness." is a quote from the book. It takes some time for Daphne to realize this. But when she does, she is stronger than she ever knew possible.
I love Daphne's imagination, her rambling thoughts, and the way she thinks of multiple scenarios in answer to a question.
The way the author puts the main characters together on the page is wonderful. It felt as if I was watching a movie. I loved the unique way William, Lord Chemsford, meets Daphne. His world is never quite the same afterward. I loved how William wanted to be a better man than his father, how he worked hard to be completely different from his uncaring, mean, selfish father.
I loved the way William cared for Daphne, truly cared for her.
I highly, highly recommend this book! It is a FANTASTIC story.

The narration was excellent.

A great sequel to “A Defense of Honor “

I loved the ability of the author to endear the characters to the reader. I also love the bit of humor (I laughed out loud) skillfully inserted Into the story.

I never want the story to end and want to know the rest of the story. I can’t wait to see what happens to the other characters. I think it would make a great TV series if done well (like Downton Abby)

Second chance

This is a lovely book where a second chance occurs and the heroine takes it.

Incredible

I have enjoyed every book that I've read or listened to by Kristi Ann Hunter. I enjoy the way that she develops characters and their relationships. This story had multiple layers and different relationships beyond the central romance. I enjoyed them all, but I'm focusing my review on the central characters.

In this story, I loved that Daphne is a fragile warrior. She's timid, but not weak. She lacks confidence, but not character. She regrets her past mistake, but wouldn't change the outcome. However, she's still keeping secrets and they will be brought into the light.

William, Marquis of Chemsford was not expecting to a champion. He was simply looking for an out of the way place to run his estates and be a better man than his father had been.

I loved watching Daphne and William's relationship unfold one revelation at a time. I couldn't wait for their love to bloom, but found myself sad when the story ended. I wanted more time with these characters. I want to know what happens to them in the future, and I hope that the author will bless us with glimpses of these characters in her future books.

Excellent

I loved this so much. Intrigue, a rages to riches. Beautiful! Enjoyed the narrator as well.

Would love to hear more.

Mothers love

Love this story! The love of a woman for her child.Her friends by her side to give her strength and hope.With God guiding them the promise of strong husbands the children in their care grew to be a great testimony to their courage and faith.

Good but slow

I became annoyed at the angst the woman put herself in. Go On Already! Story line was excellent

Excellent and engaging storyline!!

This entires series is one of my favorites of all time. The author does a great job of building the suspense throughout.

Great story

It’s a bit slow in the beginning, but a wonderful story. I Would totally recommend reading it.

Beverley Crick is not a good narrator!

First, even before the story, I must say that I do not like the narrator's voice! It made it very difficult to listen to the story because the main woman character, Daphne, sounded like she was in her 50's. Also, the narrator's voice made it sound like all the characters had frogs in their throats.
Now for the story itself.... it could have been hours shorter! The author kept going on and on about Daphne's selfish thoughts, and it made me sick. Daphne was the most selfish, self-centered, stupid character ~ and I actually hated her! Everything was about HER! Not her son, whom she refused to tell her relationship to him, not about the Marques, William - no(!) it was all about everyone catering to her. I detest weak people and that is what she was. She was afraid of her own shadow. She was a pathological liar - it was so difficult for her to ever tell the TRUTH!! It's not often that an author makes a main character that is so awful that she inspires hate - but this author managed to do that. I had no sympathy at all for Daphne or anything that "happened" to her. She was an airhead! She SAID she cared for her son, but her actions did not follow through on that notion! Her son had way more courage than she had.
They say that "honesty is the best policy" - and that is something that this female character never learned. I was so glad when this book was finished! Yuck!

BEST YET!!!

Loved the complexity of Daphne... and relate to the feeling of escape...but making oneself stand strong...and only able to do so with Jesus to give strength! Well done!
NOW HURRY UP WITH THE NEXT BOOK. . .I caught the few loose ends of Jess' stoey about to unfold.... don't leave us hanging! ! ! 😊😎